Bluestem PACE (Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly) will celebrate the grand opening of the its new location in Hutchinson on Wednesday, Sept. 22nd, from 3 to 5 PM. Bluestem PACE – Hutchinson is located at 1900 E. 23rd Avenue. The event is open to the public.

The grand opening event will include tours of the facility, opportunities to meet Bluestem PACE staff and a ribbon cutting with the Hutchinson Chamber of Commerce. COVID-19 precautions will be taken at the event, including mask-wearing being recommended.

Bluestem PACE, which is part of Bluestem Communities, partners with individuals aged 55 and better and their caregivers in a six-county south central Kansas area to manage complex medical issues while allowing seniors to remain living safely and independently in their homes for as long as possible. PACE provides all-inclusive medical care and support services. Participants can also spend time at the PACE Center, allowing their in-home caregivers some respite while receiving personal and medical care and enjoying social activities.

Bluestem PACE opened its primary location and day center in McPherson in 2016. The Bluestem PACE location in Hutchinson will provide similar services as the center in McPherson, including health care services, activities, meals and transportation, so participants local to Hutchinson and surrounding communities will not have to travel as far.

“Adding the alternative care site in Hutchinson will allow us to more regularly serve a greater number of participants with the health care services and socialization we provide, and do it right in the community many of participants live in,” said Bluestem PACE Executive Director Justin Loewen. “We’re also excited to be part of the Hutchinson community. We’ve begun to build partnerships with community providers, including both specialty and primary care physicians, and we’re excited to solidify those relationships even more as we work with community participants and providers.”

Bluestem PACE participants are nursing home-eligible, however more than 95 percent are able to live in the community with the services and support they receive from the program. Bluestem PACE is currently taking referrals. Those interested in a personal facility tour can call 844-588-7223, or learn more about the services PACE offers seniors and their caregivers by visiting bluestempace.org.